The Coast Guard rescued a man from the Humboldt Bay north jetty Thursday after he became stranded in his vehicle during a period of high surf and high tide.

Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders dispatched crews aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat to the scene after being notified at approximately 11:26 a.m., that a man had driven his vehicle onto the jetty where his vehicle became disabled, putting him in distress from breaking waves and high tides.

The Coast Guard aircrew determined the conditions to be too hazardous for other means of rescue, and hoisted the man into the helicopter. The man was reportedly uninjured and the vehicle remains on the jetty until conditions are safe for recovery.

The Coast Guard reminds the public to remain vigilant during changing ocean conditions and remain off coastal rocks, jetties, and outcroppings during periods of high surf. When boating, always wear a life jacket, file a float plan, and check the weather before heading out. The National Weather Service forecast for the area can be found at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka/.

I was assuming non-natives would get a clue the jetty might be a bad idea to drive on when you are watching the waves engulf the entire structure right before you head out. I know that would be my first instinct. But I guess this guy didn’t think that far ahead.

Easy to call this guy an idiot. There is a certain siren song for some, seeing a jetty in a storm, wondering if they can make it out despite the storm… I know I have answered this call in the past. But maybe was lucky, or knew when to turn back. I was glad the jetty wasn’t gated, so that I could answer my call for adventure with nothing but the shirt on my back. I bet this guy knew better too, and now will pay the price, though I’m sure he is thankful he didn’t pay the ultimate price, but I bet that crossed his mind. Big respect to Coastguard.